Crown with three-dimensional input

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed. In some examples, the apparatus comprises a mechanical input mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft. In some examples, the apparatus comprises an optical sensor configured to detect a rotation of the shaft and detect a movement of the shaft toward or away from the optical sensor. In some examples, the apparatus comprises an optical sensor configured to detect light incident on the optical sensor, the light having a position and an orientation, the orientation of the light based on at least a position of the rotatable shaft, detect a rotation of the shaft, and detect a movement of the shaft based on at least a change in the orientation of the light. In some examples, the apparatus comprises a housing. In some examples, a mechanical input mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft is coupled to the housing and configured to contact a force sensor coupled to the housing in response to a user input. In some examples, the force sensor is configured to detect a position of the shaft and detect an amount of force between the shaft and the force sensor that is based on the user input.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]This relates generally to user inputs, such as mechanical inputs, and more particularly, to sensing three-dimensional inputs from a mechanical input.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]Many types of input devices are presently available for performing operations in a computing system, such as buttons or keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, touch sensor panels, touch screens and the like. Touch screens, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular because of their ease and versatility of operation as well as their declining price. Touch screens can include a touch sensor panel, which can be a clear panel with a touch-sensitive surface, and a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) that can be positioned partially or fully behind the panel so that the touch-sensitive surface can cover at least a portion of the viewable area of the display device. Touch screens can allow a user to perform various functions by touching the touch sensor panel us...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent relates to a technology that allows users to interact with a wearable electronic device by rotating a mechanism called a crown. The technology detects the direction and amount of rotation and uses this information to manipulate the user interface on the device. The amount of scrolling or scaling can depend on the darkness and speed of the rotation, and tilting movements can also trigger interactions. This technology enhances the user experience and makes it easier for users to interact with their wearable electronic devices.

Problems solved by technology

However, sometimes these mechanical inputs fail to provide flexible user interactions with a device, such as the ability to accept three-dimensional user inputs.

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